This exam covers the principles of unified land operations, decisive action, and mission command. You will use the Army doctrinal concepts you learned in lessons C410 through C421 to answer the exam. This exam is worth 40% of the C400 grade, and is due after lesson C421 (the end of the block).
Primary doctrinal references for the exam include:
• ADRP 1-02 Operational Terms and Military Symbols (2015)
• ADRP 3-0 Unified Land Operations (2012)
• ADRP 4-0 Sustainment (2012)
• ADRP 5-0 The Operations Process (2012)
• FM 3-09 Field Artillery Operations and Fire Support (2014)
• FM 3-90-1 Offense and Defense (2015)
• FM 3-90-2 Reconnaissance, Security, and Tactical Enabling Tasks (2013)
• FM 3-90.6 Brigade Combat Team (2010)
• FM 6-0 Commander and Staff Organizations and Operations (2015)
These publications are available in the Blackboard Master Library. You also may access the doctrinal references via the Army Publishing Directorate at the following link:
http://www.apd.army.mil/ .
If you state something from doctrine, the readings, or the lessons as part of your answer, you must give a citation in accordance with ST 22-2. You may use parenthetical citations, endnotes or footnotes; all citations must include page numbers.
Type your answers directly into the spaces provided. The font and margins are already set for you; the document will expand as you type your responses. Single-space your answers; double-space between paragraphs; write in complete sentences, not bullets. The question tells you how much space (approximately) it should take, and the point value for each question.
______LETTER GRADE:
_____ A- to A+ (90-100)
_____ B to B+ (80-89)
_____ C- to C+ (70-79)
_____ U (69 and below)
SCORING:
1. Analysis of a Tactical Problem: __/30
2. Sketch and Explanation: __/30
3. Sustainment: __/20
4. Mission Command Essay: __/20
TOTAL __/100
COMMENTS:
THE SITUATION—30 minutes ago
You are the commander of the 1/9 Armor Brigade Combat Team (ABCT), which is the lead element of the main body in the 9th Infantry Division’s attack to seize OBJ ALPHA, a city 80 kilometers west of NEWPORT. 1/9 ABCT as the division’s decisive operation was to seize OBJ ALPHA NLT 040900 May 2018 (H+12) in order to protect the II Corps’ main effort. The division’s advance guard, 1/35 ABCT (attached to 9 ID), passed NEWPORT without incident approximately two hours ago. In the period between 1/35’s departure from NEWPORT and 1/9’s approach, the enemy quickly emplaced several obstacles (overturned vehicles and building materials) on ROUTE GREEN south of NEWPORT to disrupt friendly force movement. As lead elements of 1/9 ABCT approached NEWPORT, they received consistent and accurate mortar and RPG fire from the city. The intensity of these fires increased as the brigade approached the outskirts of town.
THE CURRENT SITUATION—040100 May 2018 (H+4)
The remainder of the division’s main body is approximately two hours behind your trail unit and will use ROUTE GREEN as well. The lead company of 1/9 ABCT took up hasty defensive positions near the bridge over the BLUE RIVER (unfordable) on ROUTE GREEN while the brigade developed the situation around NEWPORT. As your S3 reports enemy contact to the Division Main CP, the Division G2 reports that a Redland maneuver brigade with two maneuver battalions (one armor battalion with about 30 T90 tanks and one mechanized infantry battalion with about 36 BMP-3s) and one artillery battalion (18 2S1 self-propelled 122mm howitzers) have moved south of METROVILLE and occupied assembly areas approximately 70km north of NEWPORT in the last four hours. The G2 assesses that this enemy brigade will attack the 9th Infantry Division’s main body when it passes through the area along ROUTE GREEN (see enemy course of action). Additionally, the G2 estimates a company-sized irregular force (100-120 personnel) within the city of NEWPORT equipped with light weapons (AK47 and RPK) and some RPG7V and 82mm mortars. The G2 believes this irregular force might coordinate actions with the Redland brigade to the north. The CG considers these developments a significant threat to the division’s northern flank and the corps’ future line of communication.
The CG contacts you with the following verbal directive: “I am concerned about the division’s northern flank and the situation around NEWPORT. Your new mission is defeat the enemy on our northern flank to protect the division’s main body. I’m not sure how long this mission will take, but I want you back with us as soon as possible; be prepared for follow on operations. 1/35 ABCT will continue as the division’s advance guard and 4/9 ABCT (approximately 30km behind your unit) will conduct your previous mission as the division’s decisive operation.”
Enemy Course of Action
*****
Note: Citing doctrine is NOT enough to get credit for this assignment. You must read the situation carefully, and then apply the principles of doctrine. After you have analyzed the situation, write a meaningful response for each exam question.
Section 1: Analyze and develop a doctrinal solution to a tactical problem. (30 Points)
FOR THIS SECTION OF THE EXAM, YOU ARE THE 1/9 ABCT COMMANDER.
1. Based on the situation and sketch, write the 1/9 ABCT’s mission statement (FM 6-0, p. 9-12). (5 Points) [Remember to address the who, what, when, where, and why in your answer.]
2. Write the 1/9 ABCT Commander’s intent for this mission. Your answer MUST include expanded purpose, key tasks, and end state (ADRP 5-0, p. 2-19). (10 Points) [Your answer should be five to six sentences.]
3. Identify the ABCT’s primary offensive task and the form of maneuver, OR defensive task and form of defense (FM 3-90 Vol.1, Chap. 1 and 6). (5 points) [Write two to five sentences.]
4. Identify and explain the ABCT’s decisive operation, include task and purpose. (FM 3-90 Vol.1, Chap. 1 and 6). (5 points) [Write one to five sentences; you may write more if you like.]
5. Identify and explain the ABCT’s shaping operations, include tasks and purposes. (FM 3-90 Vol.1, Chap. 1 and 6). (5 points) [Write three to five sentences; you may write more if you like.]
Section 2: (FM 6-0, p. 9-24). (30 Points)
6. You must address each of the following items listed below. The answers you provided for exam questions 3, 4, and 5 will help you with items a through c below.
For parts a, b, and c you will state or explain your answers. Write one to five sentences for each part; you may write more if you like.
When you submit your assignment for grading, be sure to include both parts of the exam: (1) your typed answers for the exam questions
a. State the task and purpose of the cavalry squadron (FM 3-90 Vol. 2). (2 points)
b. State a task and purpose for EACH combined arms battalion (FM 3-90 Vol. 1, App. B). (5 points)
c. State the task and purpose of the fires battalion (FM 3-09, Chap. 1). (2 points)
Section 3: Sustainment (20 Points)
FOR THIS SECTION OF THE EXAM, YOU ARE THE BRIGADE SUPPORT BATTALION (BSB) COMMANDER of the 1/9 ABCT.
Given that you are still in the early phase of planning, address each of the following listed below.
7. Provide your vision for how the BSB will logistically support the 1/9 ABCT’s mission (FM3-90.6, Chap. 9). Your answer MUST include a discussion of the planning considerations and priorities for Class III, Class V, Medical and Maintenance (35MM). (10 points) [Your answer should be approximately one-half of a typed page.]
9. Out of the eight principles of sustainment, identify the TWO principles you think are the most important for this mission and explain why (ADRP 4-0, Chap. 1). (5 points) [Write five to six sentences; you may write more if you like.]
Section 4: Mission Command Essay. (20 Points)
10. Referring to your operation as the 1/9 ABCT Commander, write a one-to-two page essay describing how you will apply the Mission Command principles in accomplishing the brigade’s assigned mission (ADRP 6-0, p. 2-1). Your essay may not exceed two typed pages.
You may refer to ST 22-2 to review the components of an essay and the citations of sources. This is an informative essay, not an argumentative essay. However, your essay must have an introduction with a thesis statement, body paragraphs with topic sentences and clear details, and a conclusion that summarizes the main points and reiterates the thesis.